American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller has outlined his optimism for the gaming industry’s recovery in AGA’s annual State of the Industry address today at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2020.
Miller heralded the industry’s ability to rebound stronger than ever throughout his remarks, saying: “Gaming’s continued innovation, coupled with our deep-rooted culture of compliance, have our industry on solid ground as we continue our recovery.”
He also pointed to new AGA research showing that more Americans view gaming positively than ever before as evidence of a strong foundation for the industry’s recovery. Fifty per cent of American adults have a favorable impression of the casino industry, up five points in two years. Additionally, nine in 10 (89%) adults view gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment.
“We have built this support over many decades,” added Miller. “As gaming has grown from two states in 1978 to 44 states today, more and more Americans have gotten to know us…They recognize the positive impact we deliver: The jobs we support; the small businesses we sustain; and the tax revenue we contribute…These are the reasons Americans have embraced gaming and they will fuel gaming’s recovery.”
Addressing delegates, he went on to highlight the AGA’s three priorities to unite the industry and aid gaming’s recovery, namely building champions on Capitol Hill, payments modernization and growing the legal sports betting market.
Commenting on the association’s position in 2020, the 25th anniversary year, he said: “While COVID-19 may have shifted our plans, we never lost our focus. If anything, the pandemic has elevated AGA’s role as the leading advocate for the American gaming industry. No matter how big the challenge, we have always worked hard to help this industry overcome it. And I’m confident we can do it again.”
